The Austin Central Library is one of six libraries being recognized by the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the American Library Association (ALA) for excellence in architectural design in the 2018 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards.

Traditional roles of libraries are evolving. Today, libraries are designed with larger gathering spaces to support the needs of the community and many include sustainable features to conserve water or energy. Both of these trends are reflected by this year’s 2018 AIA/ALA Library Building Awards recipients.

A technologically rich hub for innovation and cultural intelligence, the Austin Central Library has created a framework for lifelong learning that bolsters a more resilient community. Arguably the most daylit library in the nation, the nearly 200,000-square-foot building is defined by a light-soaked, six-story atrium surrounded by the book collections and event space. On track for LEED Platinum certification, the building respects the library system’s desire to be good stewards of water resources in an area of Texas that regularly experiences drought and is subjected to water restrictions. A 373,000-gallon cistern captures roof rainwater and HVAC condensate, which provides water in the restrooms as well as irrigation for the landscape and vegetated roof.